plieber

The other day I was reading about this new wave of ring flashes that use the light from your existing flash and redirect it via mirrors to surround your lens. That got me to thinking on ways to duplicate this. The following pictures depict what I came up with, which I call a Gutter Light. I call it that because the main light-bending device consists of a cheap (<$3) gutter down spout extension, which is quite flexible yet holds its shape very well. To help bend it 90-degrees I used a cheap (also <$3) wide-angle auto mirror. To keep it in place I hot glued a bolt on back of it.

The first picture, the Macro Gutter Light, shows what I came up with. It still needs some tweaking because the light is uneven. However I found it works better as a macro light without the foam board contraption (see 2nd photo). Plus, as the 3rd picture shows how it compares to bounce and direct flash for general flash photography. Unfortunately I had no models around so I had to use my silly-looking mug. To eliminate any extraneous light I shot these 3 photos in my attic which unfortunately has red pine ceiling and walls. So I do have some color balance problems. Finally the final shot shows how it performs in a white-walled room with window light.

Macro Gutter Light


Gutter Light a


Gutter Light b


Gutter Light c

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

To invent is to live. While it may look strange, the key is that it works. On that I congratulate you. I like the concept of ring flashes, bought one for $37 but that was as much fun as designing one. While it may invoke a chuckle from some, working with the likes of this leads to a greater understanding of the principles of lighting.
dp don

Dria Loc: Ohio

Well it does the job!
You really need a "honey-do" list :)

Wes Loc: Dallas

Great picture. You look like a TI engineer and you must be electrical or mechanical to be so creative.

Stephe Loc: Near Rockwall Texas

Now to start on a 'pie pan' ring light. Got me 'thinken' Thanks

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Hay guys, I bought an LED ringlight for 38$ including shipping and is a nice variable unit. MeiKe FC-100 check it out on EBay. Inventing is fun, but if you can buy off the shelf for not much with controls etc and looks pro and acts pro, then continue with the fun but know it is fun. I could not take pro shots with this at a wedding, fun at home surely.

Oh, Oh, there she, Dria, goes again with the enslavement of men with the Honey-Sweety-Dew list! Be wary boys, she spins a web.

brokeweb Loc: Philadelphia

Wow! That's really ingenious. Thanks for sharing. You obviously spent a lot of time on this post.

Bobbee

Kewl Beans

The Power of Inovation

Bobbee

Let me ask the obvious, what defeciencies do you notice that would not enable this to be used for pro situations. Is it just the cost, the approach or is the device not up to producing the quality.

Maybe this is the next wave. Remember what the said about digital when it first came out.

I have the Speedlite Ring Flash adapter someone presented me with. It is OK, but awkward, and a slight albatros on the camera, You suggestion looks and I would think, performs better.

carlreno2

What would happen if you painted the outside of the gutter material with black or wrapped it with duct tape to constrain the light loss?

Judi Loc: Oregon

Aha ---- thank you for a most economical solution to focusing light. Quick question: noted that the camera is sitting on some sort of platform that extends outward to the angled foam board. Is there a small bolt holding the pieces together?
Thanks again for the fun I intend to have this afternoon.

fourcam

What if it rains?

Judi Loc: Oregon

Oregon is known for its downspouts, soggy grounds, and hardware stores known for multitaskers who are innovators in their own right(s). The best part is none run when they see me coming with a printed page asking for parts and pieces :D

Pete Wright Loc: Washington State

Nice approach. You are probably getting benefit of some limb effect. Otherwise ring lighting tends to be very flat (shadowless).
Putting the light source behind the camera creates limb effect. You can photograph a boiled egg against a white background.
Shooting outdoors with the sun behind you will give it, but it is reduced by scattered light. Close to sunset you can get the max limb effect with sunlight. Weston called these "actinic" rays because he thought the light was somehow more powerful.
Try a shoulder rig with lights on each shoulder, and holding the camera in front of your face in the usual way. In the absence of lots of ambient light, the results will be dramatic.
I used to shoot nudes in the studio with no other lighting than a big soft box a few feet behind the camera, with pleasant results.

lockdown Loc: Forsyth MO.

You've got to admire inventers of sorts. Great job.